Patron says city should not shut down Big Daddy's Lounge

A troubled Albany nightclub was closed Tuesday night after city commissioners voted to take away its alcohol license. Big Daddy's Lounge on East Broad Avenue was empty.

After a hearing Tuesday afternoon, commissioners decided not to renew the bar's alcohol license.

Police testified about a homicide at a nearby parking lot last August and numerous fights in the club. Commissioners also said the building is too small to accommodate the crowds that often gather there.

One former regular customer told us Tuesday night he's disappointed Big Daddy's is apparently going away. Timmy Carter thinks the owner ran a reputable business, and anyone who caused trouble there will just go some place else and cause problems. Carter said, "I think Gilbert had done a wonderful job as being a business owner you know, so you know, you can't fault that man. It ain't his fault. He's trying to make a living just like everyone else."

Neither Big Daddy's owner nor his attorney would talk to us today about the commission's vote.